Why Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s Most Beautiful National Park
By Ryan Brown published on 30 September 2025
If you are looking for , you can’t overlook Abel Tasman national park. Of the 13 stunning National Parks throughout the North Island and South Island, our vote for New Zealand’s most beautiful national park is Abel Tasman. Don’t get us wrong - we aren’t saying the other 12 aren’t amazing! Yet the natural diversity, activities, coastline, and rare flora and fauna make Abel Tasman National Park a unique gem. Here’s why!
What is So Special About Abel Tasman National Park?
Heaps! Though Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. Compared to the abundance of natural magnificence and adventure or outdoor activities, its size makes it so special.
Abel Tasman National Park sits in the northern part of the South Island. This wilderness and marine reserve boasts crystal clear turquoise waters, soft golden sand beaches, vertical granite cliffs topped with tufts of native flora, and an ancient fern forest that make for incredible hiking.
So, while the other national parks hold some of these traits, Abel Tasman has it all. From kayaking to sailing, swimming to relaxing on the beach, or spotting lazy seals soaking up the sun and rare birds abound. There’s a bit of something for everyone at this .
Abel Tasman is One of the Sunniest National Parks
Are you looking to soak up those rays? Look no further. One reason we think Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s most beautiful National Park is the sheer amount of sunshine it gets. The Nelson region, where Abel Tasman is located, is one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand. You can often expect cloudless bright blue skies and long sunny days making it perfect for beach and water lovers. Just keep applying that sunscreen, as the enchanting beaches and bays can make it difficult to leave and leave you with a sunburn.
Abel Tasman National Park Has Incredible Hiking Trails
Abel Tasman National Park is famed for the hiking trails snaking through the cliffs and forests, with the Coast Track being one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You can hike sections of this 60km trail, which hugs the rugged coast of Abel Tasman National Park. The trail reaches breathtaking viewpoints and descends to hidden beaches to claim for your own.
Abel Tasman is Renowned for Its Flora and Fauna
One of the best parts of hiking Abel Tasman National Park is being immersed in the forest – the sights, sounds and smells add sensory experiences to this incredible region. As you hike along the trails, you’ll hear beautiful birdsong throughout the canopy of the bellbird and korimako or spot the flash of green and blue vibrance from the kingfisher. All while walking through the lush native flora of black beech, fiery-coloured rātā, manuka and kanuka trees beneath the shade of towering ancient ferns.
Abel Tasman National Park Has Unbelievable Bays and Beaches
The beautiful beaches and bays might be the top reason Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s most beautiful National Park. Electric blue waters beg you to swim in them. After soaking up that wonderful sunshine or hiking the coastal track, there’s nothing better than jumping into those pristine waters. Sink your toes into golden sands as far as the eye can see and swim in the reserve's abundant waters packed with marine life. The shallow estuaries, sand bars, and beaches at the foot of the cliffsides paint a landscape that is bound to be one of the most remarkable you’ve visited.
Sea Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park is an Absolute Must!
Heading out on a sea kayaking tour is a must-do activity to enjoy the best beaches and bays in Abel Tasman. This will take you along the magnificent coastline, where you can spot fur seals basking in the sun on rocks or pods of dolphins leaping about while you paddle to secluded beaches for a picnic and a dip.
While you pass one captivating bay after another, the guide will tell you about the history, Māori importance, and the environmental protections to keep this region pristine. The best part is that it’s a one-way trip. You can kayak to a golden beach with the group and hike back to experience the full scope of Abel Tasman’s natural beauty.
Now you know why Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s most beautiful national park, but it’s truly a place you need to see to believe! Book your trip today to experience this one-of-a-kind wilderness and marine reserve.
